I-League 2017 Preview: Bengaluru FC vs Churchill Brothers - Defending champions aim to end the season on a high

Defending I-League champions Bengaluru FC will host Derrick Pereira's Churchill Brothers on Saturday evening at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The Blues head into yet another home tie but this time the hosts will be in high spirits following an emphatic 7-0 win over Maharashtrian side DSK Shivajians, last weekend. Their opponents Churchill Brothers fly to South India for the weekend's clash in a similar mood following a 6-1 result against newbie Chennai City which saved from relegation.

Albert Roca and company haven't had a good season in this chapter of the league but will look to end it on a good note. In central midfield would be the duo of Lyngdoh and Watson with Khabra and Nishu operating on both flanks. Spaniard Juanan will return to the squad having served his suspension which means Salam Ranjan Singh could be placed on the bench. Kerala born CK Vineeth and Marjan Jugovic's inclusion remains doubtful as both the players are recovering from injuries. Skipper Chhetri, Lalhlimpuia and Doungel will form the front three with gaffer Roca likely to go with a 3-4-3 formation.

The Yellows' final I-League tie for the foreseeable future

As for the visiting side, gaffer Pereira would make some changes in the team which thrashed Chennai City in order to gear up for the Federation Cup in May. Anthony D'Souza, Kingslee Fernandes and Gabriel Fernandes, who mostly come off the bench, could be introduced in the starting XI by Pereira. Lethal attacker Talgat Bektur will continue to dominate things in the midfield while Anthony Wolfe will take charge up-front with Ansumana Kromah supporting the Trinidadian footballer.

A win for the hosts will take their points tally to 30, at par with East Bengal, who will be facing Mumbai FC at the same hour. However, if the Konkan side gets the better of the home side, they will still remain at their same position- sixth.